What is the Internet: A Network of Networks
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The Internet is the backbone of global connectivity, a vast and decentralized network that is not owned by any single entity. The Internet is often referred to as the “network of networks”, it is an intricate system of interconnected networks that include both Local Area Networks (LANs) and Wide Area Networks (WANs). Here’s what every CCNA-certified professional should know about the Internet’s architecture.
The Internet: A Decentralized Ecosystem
The Internet: A Decentralized Ecosystem
Unlike what one might assume, the Internet is not a singular entity owned by any individual or group. It’s a global system, decentralized in nature, composed of countless interconnected networks managed by various organizations, governments, and private entities. This structure is what gives the Internet its resilience and widespread reach.
LAN and WAN: The Building Blocks of the Internet
LAN and WAN: The Building Blocks of the Internet
The Internet’s vastness begins with the smallest units, the LANs (Local Area Networks), which typically encompass networks within a limited area like homes, schools, or hospitals. These are the networks that you might set up or troubleshoot as a CCNA professional. They often consist of multiple devices connected to a router which facilitates data communication within the network.
Scaling up, we have WANs (Wide Area Networks), which cover a larger geographic area, interconnecting multiple LANs. WANs can span cities, regions, even countries and continents, transmitting data across distances through various telecommunications methods.
Diverse Networks, Unified Internet
Diverse Networks, Unified Internet
The Internet’s beauty lies in its diversity, supporting networks of various scales and purposes:
- Home LANs: Support personal browsing, streaming, and gaming needs.
- School LANs: Facilitate educational resources and administration.
- Hospital LANs: Manage patient data and healthcare services.
- Government LANs: Handle public services and inter-agency communication.
- Business LANs: Drive commercial operations and enterprise applications.
Organizations That Keep the Internet Running: The Role of Standardizing Bodies
Organizations That Keep the Internet Running: The Role of Standardizing Bodies
While no single entity owns the Internet, the Internet’s architecture is such that it is maintained through a set of standardized protocols, which are essential for seamless communication across diverse networks.
Organizations such as the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF), the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), and the Internet Society (ISOC) work tirelessly to develop and implement these protocols:
- The Internet Society (ISOC): An international, nonprofit organization that provides leadership in Internet-related standards, education, and policy.
- The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN): Coordinates the maintenance and methodologies of several databases related to the namespaces(DNS) and numerical spaces of the Internet(IP Addresses), ensuring network stability and security.
- The Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF): Develops and promotes voluntary Internet standards, in particular, the standards that comprise the Internet protocol suite (TCP/IP).
These organizations and others like them work behind the scenes to ensure that the Internet remains open and operational.
Conclusion
Conclusion
The Internet’s strength lies in its collective nature. It is a product of global cooperation and shared standards, a space managed by many but owned by none.
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